Having now experienced care for my Loved One in two Memory Care facilities in Charlottesville, I have deep concerns regarding the oversight and transparency that the facilities exercise when caring for this most vulnerable population.

Not all "dementia" patients are the same and some have fluctuating needs. I feel that direct training requirements and education ( not just the current on-line requirement) are imperative to provide an adequate level of care. In addition, there needs to be clearer guidelines for meeting resident care requirements and general supervision. I have seen the current plan of just securing the living space and letting residents roam and interact unsupervised, end badly.

The facility should not be able to change prescribed medications without family consent, even if it is an over-the-counter medication, and all medications should be given as prescribed on the schedule prescribed. Allowing the facilities "two hour windows" is not in the best interest of the resident.

And finally, the family needs to be informed in writing of any "incidents" occurring at the facility and given copies of any reports submitted to any agency that concerns their Loved One. All records of the resident are the property of the resident and should be assessable by the Residents' POA.